GM Fort Wayne Assembly union workers say they are prepared to strike for as long as it takes to get a new contract. Meanwhile, employees at companies relying on the GM plant face their own challenges.

Dozens of union members waved signs during their four-hour shift on the picket line as cars drive by and honk outside Indianas largest GM facility.

The decision comes after GM and union officials were unable to come to an agreement on a new contract over issues including wages, health care and profit-sharing.

The move comes after failing to agree to a new contract with General Motors over wages, health care and profit-sharing. Nearly 50,000 workers will be affected when production halts.

The move announced Tuesday means that GM will be the focus of bargaining, and any deal with the company will set the pattern for Ford and Fiat Chrysler.

General Motors Co. has announced it's investing more than $4.2 billion in assembly plants in Indiana, Michigan and Texas to prepare for the launch of its next generation of pickups and SUVs.

The global automaker and tire manufacturer will begin testing an airless tire later this year.

General Motors CEO Mary Barra says the investment will support the automaker's increased production of crew cab pickup trucks, including the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra.

About 324,000 U.S. trucks are covered by the recall.GM began notifying dealers on April 26 and told them to stop selling the trucks until repairs are made. No date has been set yet to notify owners.

GMC will offer the industrys first carbon fiber bed, called CarbonPro, manufactured by a Huntington, Indiana-based company.